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Kyrgyzstan’s techniques meet the colours of Cumbria

Felt maker Debbie Lucas shows off her skills in an exhibition at The Village Bakery in Melmerby.

She is one of a number of invited guests to join resident artist Christina Mingard and will be displaying her work until June 30.

Debbie, from Great Ashby, near Appleby, has been making felt for 13 years.

The inspiration for her work comes from the ever-changing Cumbrian landscape. Her pictures are made by building up layers of fleece which she has carded thoroughly to create a variety of colours and shades. She often cuts back through the layers of felt to reveal hidden colours beneath giving her work a three dimensional effect.

During a visit to Kyrgyzstan in the summer of 2001, she was privileged to work with traditional felt makers and she now adapts their way of felt making to suit her own needs.